Schwanebeck landfill closure with a multi-layer sealing system

Overview

The Berlin Waste Management (BSR), is constantly decommissioning parts of the municipal waste landfill located in Panketal near Schwanebeck, closure phases 6-8, spanned from 2021 to 2023 and involved sealing 138,000 m² of landfill surface. Solmax played a crucial role in delivering and installing, utilizing geosynthetic solutions to prevent hazardous liquids from migrating into the environment, ensuring long-term environmental protection and sustainable site rehabilitation. BSR chose Solmax as their partner due to their extensive experience in waste management solutions, expertise in geosynthetic products and the vast experience of the Solmax installation experts on previous phases of this project. The successful closure of the landfill site will have lasting benefits for the environment, nearby communities, and BSR’s operations, reflecting a forward-thinking approach to waste management.

Challenge

A significant challenge in this project was managing the complexity of a large-scale landfill closure, while ensuring minimal disruption to the surrounding environment. One of the most complex aspects of the project was the installation of a multi-layer sealing system, consisting of a 2.5 mm GSE® HD geomembrane and a FABRINET® drain composite, both certified according to BAM (Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing) standards. This design also incorporated a bentonite liner, providing a robust and environmentally sound solution that met both regulatory and performance requirements. Despite the scale and technical complexity, the project progressed without significant delays or interruptions, thanks to meticulous planning, the use of innovative materials, and a well-organized and coordinated installation team.

Solution

Solmax role in the landfill closure project was crucial to its success. The Solmax installation team implemented a state-of-the-art surface sealing system that incorporated advanced geosynthetics specifically designed for landfill closure and environmental protection. Key products used in this project included GSE HD 2.5 mm FrictionFlex DRS, FABRINET ZB-E B3000Z and a bentonite liner, which were chosen for their durability, performance, and environmental certifications. The use of BAM certified products on landfills in Germany is mandatory and assures the effectiveness of the hole sealing System for decades. As a system provider for all geosynthetics required in landfill construction, we not only offer our customers high-quality and well-coordinated products, we also offer a complete package including the installation.